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Quick help: light fixture wiring

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by lesterm, Mar 2, 2008.

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  1. lesterm

    lesterm Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    611
    Durham, NC
    #1 lesterm, Mar 2, 2008
    So, I am in the process of installing a new chandelier, and am a bit perplexed. Google was of no help here either. So, how do I identify the neutral/hot wires on the chandelier if they are both the same color (clear insulation). One of them is capped with a stripped piece, which I suspect might tell me something. The ground is obviously green, but what about the others? Thanks in advance for any help. I feel really dumb right now...
     
  2. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
    28,633
    Phoenix
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    AG
    #2 agup48, Mar 2, 2008
    You might want to call Home Depot or the company you bought the fixtures from. You don't want to have us screw it up and electrocute you.
     
  3. JasonMiller

    JasonMiller F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 16, 2004
    3,649
    Co Springs/ Texas
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    Jason Miller
    #3 JasonMiller, Mar 2, 2008
    Either one is fine, the your fixture can run with the hot on either wire.
     
  4. stevehuck

    stevehuck Formula Junior

    Jun 4, 2004
    331
    Sterling Hgts, Mi
    Full Name:
    Steven Huck
    #4 stevehuck, Mar 2, 2008
    Not entirely true and not safe!!!

    You have to make sure that the hot wire heats up the center contact of the light socket NOT THE SHELL!!! You dont want the shell hot when you try to replace the light bulb.

    If you look at the cord one of the wires might have a smooth surface and one will have small ribs. The ribbed wire is the neutral and the smooth the hot.

    If that is not so, you should use a continuity tester and ring the wire out and verify that the shell of the socket is neutral.
     
  5. lesterm

    lesterm Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    611
    Durham, NC
    #5 lesterm, Mar 2, 2008
    The fixture uses a double-ended halogen bulb, so there isn't a shell and center contact. Kind of moot anyway, since I took off the plate and realized the junction box is too small, so I am just going to call an electrician tomorrow and have him to all the dirty work. Thanks for your help!
     
  6. vetconstruction

    vetconstruction Formula Junior

    Aug 10, 2007
    255
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Michael A. Whitlow
    #6 vetconstruction, Mar 3, 2008
    An electrician is always the best way to go-I do mostly historic restorations here in the VA/DC area and I see what you're describing all the time in these older houses. I have an antique electricians manual from way back in the day and it explains your situation. I always use an electrician for all my work-not that I can't do it but.......they do this all day long and are much better equipped. Plus I think you'll find the cost is very low in terms of not getting fried or burning down your house.
     

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